Adding encryption/security to an external media HDD

[JohnnyScience]

I would like to encrypt my external backup media HDD.

What are my options in order to do so on win7?

 

[motc7]

I would like to encrypt my external backup media HDD.

What are my options in order to do so on win7?

Try reading this article first.

Windows 7 BitLocker Tool (BitLocker to Go) and BitLocker Password Recovery

See if you have this installed or the capability.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello JohnnyScience.



Seven Forums has an excellent tutorial on the subject of BitLocker, it can be viewed at the link below.

Windows 7 BitLocker To Go On or Off for Removable Drives

 

[fluffwitt]

Try Truecrypt....

TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source On-The-Fly Disk Encryption Software for Windows 7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X and Linux

 

[JohnnyScience]

Which is better, True Crypt or Bitlocker?

 

[motc7]

Which is better, True Crypt or Bitlocker?

Frankly for less fuss and muss, I like TrueCrypt.

 

[fluffwitt]

Bitlocker is built into Wimdows 7, but only if you have the higher end (expensive) ultimate or business edition. Truecrypt is free opensource software. I havn't used Bitlocker as I only have Windows 7 home premium.

 

[jcgriff2]

If external HDD formatted NTFS, you can set ownership/ file permissions.

 

[JohnnyScience]

Bitlocker is built into Wimdows 7, but only if you have the higher end (expensive) ultimate or business edition. Truecrypt is free opensource software. I havn't used Bitlocker as I only have Windows 7 home premium.

Ok I've got 7 64 Pro, so I have it then?

I might as well use the program I already have (if I have it)

And can I also use the same encryption on my scandisk flash drive?

 

[Kirsch]

I'm gonna go with motc and say Truecrypt is worth the download.. much easier

 

[JohnnyScience]

If external HDD formatted NTFS, you can set ownership/ file permissions.

Yes the external as well as the internal are all NTFS, so would I be better off using Ownership/File Permissions or Trucrypt?

Which will give me a stronger/safer encryption?

 

[logicearth]

If you are going to encrypt data you should only encrypt small about of data. And only encrypt data that has been backed up. Because if the encryption goes south your data is lost forever. Second encryption and decryption requires CPU time, so you have to take that into consideration.

Using Bitlocker and Trucrypt seem way too over kill for this when you could just right-click on any folder go to Properties > Advance on the General Tab > and Select "Encrypt contents to secure data". As simple as that.

All three methods, Bitlocker, Trucrypt, and my method all use AES to encrypt the data.

 

[JohnnyScience]

If you are going to encrypt data you should only encrypt small about of data. And only encrypt data that has been backed up. Because if the encryption goes south your data is lost forever. Second encryption and decryption requires CPU time, so you have to take that into consideration.

Using Bitlocker and Trucrypt seem way too over kill for this when you could just right-click on any folder go to Properties > Advance on the General Tab > and Select "Encrypt contents to secure data". As simple as that.

All three methods, Bitlocker, Trucrypt, and my method all use AES to encrypt the data.

Ok well I should say that what I'm trying to protect is my external, back up media HDD, so since its external & could technically "walk away" I need to protect it.

So do i want to use a full encryption like Trucrypt, or just perhaps a password option?

Or should I just do Properties > Advance on the General Tab > and Select "Encrypt contents to secure data"?

Does that prompt me/someone to then enter a password in order to access the external HDD?

 

[logicearth]

Ok well I should say that what I'm trying to protect is my external, back up media HDD, so since its external & could technically "walk away" I need to protect it.

So do i want to use a full encryption like Trucrypt, or just perhaps a password option?

Or should I just do Properties > Advance on the General Tab > and Select "Encrypt contents to secure data"?

Does that prompt me/someone to then enter a password in order to access the external HDD?

Using my method, someone must be on your computer to access the encrypted data. So if they walk away with your drive, the data will be useless. None of the keys will exists on the drive to unlock it. For you on the computer the encryption and decryption will be completely transparent using my method.

Just remember to decrypt the drive before you ever reinstall Windows.

 

[wilywombat]

JohnnyScience, Sorry to disappoint you but Bitlocker is not part of Windows 7 Pro it is only in the Ultimate and Enterprise versions. Truecrypt is my preference as you can encrypt all of the drive of create a hidden drive in a file if you only want a certain amount of encrypted space. You can also use up to 3 chained methods of encryption for extra security from a choice of AES, Twofish and Serpent.
A word of caution though....DO NOT lose you password/phrase as there is no way back, no trapdoors so if you lose your password/phrase...youve lost your data.